Businesses collaborate to grow the Organics sector

23rd July 2004

Businesses collaborate to grow the Organics sector

The Sustainable Business Network (SBN) is working in partnership with Rodney District Council to organise the first Organic Forum for Business on Tuesday August 24th. The Organics Sector is one of the fastest growing sectors in New Zealand.

Much of its supply chain is located here in the Auckland region, and these businesses want to collaborate to grow even faster. “We believe Organics is the most sustainable form of agriculture and provides endless spin-off benefits throughout other sectors.

The organics initiative provides Auckland with a New Zealand first, providing an excellent model for sustainable economic development for the country” says Jane Henley Sustainable Business Network Northern Regional Manager. According to Chris Morrison, of Phoenix Organics “I see the benefit in people working together to collectively solve the challenges that the organics industry faces”.

Clustering in many business sectors throughout New Zealand has proven to be a successful tool to enhance economic growth. Clustering achieves results by working cooperatively. Businesses involved in clustering are able to benefit from sustainable economic growth by collectively solving sector issues, forming strategic alliances to gain international markets and for helping progress.

For an emerging sector like organics, with high growth potential, it is vital to increase efficiencies, innovation and export capability (outside the Auckland region) and allow for coopertition (cooperation with competition). Jane Henley (SBN) adds “clustering provides a useful model for the businesses to flourish using sustainable practices for long term growth”.

The Organic Forum for Business is a chance for businesses involved in organics to make valuable contacts with others in the industry and to learn more about how we can best work together to promote the growth of organics in Auckland. The forum will identify the strengths, weaknesses, opportunities and threats within the sector, as well as provide an opportunity to agree to a way forward for organics in the wider Auckland region.

For the past two years the Organic Cluster has been run as a successful pilot programme in Rodney and Waitakere. “The time has now come to expand the Cluster to an Aucklandwide initiative. The Organic Forum provides a great opportunity to get everyone together to kick start the process of growing the present ‘Waitakere and Rodney District Organic Cluster’ into the Organics - Auckland Business Cluster” say Ms Henley. The Forum promises to be an excellent event for anyone in the business community interested in organics and the associated value chain. For a copy of the proposed agenda, or to register to attend, please email Juliana@sustainable.org.nz

Venue: BeesOnline, 791 State Highway 16, Waimauku Date: Tuesday 24th August Time: 9:45 am – 3pm

Investment: $60.00 incl GST

SBN will also be organising a small trade display area to showcase any products and services involved in organics throughout the Auckland region.

ENDS

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